San Francisco Blog

Dreamer: Aya De Leon

Did you know April is National Poetry Month? Though most of us are capable of writing Really Bad Poetry if we try hard enough (or are drunk enough), writing Really Good Poetry is a lot harder than it seems. Not only does one have to know the difference between a sonnet and a bonnet, alliteration and inspiration, and adjectives and superlatives, but today's most awesomest poets aren't stereotypical, intellectually-pretentious nerds who spend most of their lives in some corner of a library - they're vibrant, dynamic folks who have a way with words, a knack for verbal expression (with or without musical backing), and a gift for articulating their own personal experiences into a cultural context everybody can relate to.

If you've been wondering where all the dope-ass poets these days are, head over to Berkeley April 16, when the April installment of Poetry for the People (P4P)  happens at La Pena Cultural Center. In honor of NPM, the event features a "multi-generational poetry conversation" with American Book Award winner and Coptic poet Matthew Shenoda (w/ John Carlos Perea on bass), former P4P Director and poet Maiana Minahal, hip hop artist and activist Ras K'Dee & DJ Offering, plus DJ Munkee Pants, local artists, Poetry for the People poets, special guests, and host Aya De Leon. The multi-generational aspect comes from the fact that this event connects poets old and young, as well as bridging the academic community with the local community. And, because most people who enjoy poetry are hella broke, tickets are only $10 ($5 for students). At those prices, you can probably even afford a beret to sport at the show.